Housing Situation in Hartford
Assisted Housing Units in Hartford
According to CT Department of Housing-Affordable Housing Appeals Listing, 2024, there is a total of around 53,259 housing units in Hartford and 42% of housing in Hartford (22,368 units) is assisted, which is far above the state average of 11%. Assisted housing units are those that receive government financial assistance for construction, substantial rehabilitation, or rental aid for low- and moderate-income households.
Of these government-assisted units, 22% (2,768) are designated for elderly residents, which provides crucial support to Hartford’s senior community (CT Department of Housing-Affordable Housing Appeals Listing, 2024; National Preservation Database, April 2025).
Table 1. Assisted Housing Units, Hartford and CT
| Hartford | CT | |
| Total Units | 53,259 | 1,530,197 |
| Total Assisted | 22,368 (42%) | 182,865 (11%) |
| CHFA/USDA Mortgages | 1,539 | 27,914 |
| Governmentally Assisted Units | 11,677 | 98,830 |
| Governmentally Assisted Units (seniors) | 2,678 | |
| Tenant Rental Assistance | 9,152 | 50,353 |
| Deed Restrictions | 0 | 5768 |
Source: CT Department of Housing-Affordable Housing Appeals Listing, 2024; National Preservation Database, April 2025
Current Availability of Affordable Senior Housing in Hartford
In Hartford and its nearby towns, there are 101 affordable senior housing projects, providing a total of 8,726 units. Specifically, Hartford has 21 projects with 2,678 units dedicated to senior residents. East Hartford and West Hartford contribute with smaller shares—334 units and 536 units, respectively (Map 1 and Table 2).
Map 1. Distribution of Existing Affordable Senior Housing in Hartford
Source: National Housing Preservation Database, April 2025
Table 2. Affordable Senior Housing in Hartford
| Location | Projects | Total Units |
| Hartford | 21 | 2678 |
| West Hartford | 6 | 536 |
| East Hartford | 4 | 334 |
| Total | 31 | 3548 |
Source: National Housing Preservation Database, April 2025
However, despite the availability of these units, the demand for senior housing remains high.
Housing Shortfall for Hartford’s Aging Population
Adults aged 55 and older make up 22% of Hartford’s population, which amounts to 26,268 individuals (ACS, 2023). Many of these individuals are single or couples, often living on fixed incomes. Despite this large demographic, Hartford currently has only 2,678 affordable senior housing units, serving about 5,356 older adults-just 20% of the city’s population aged 55 and above. This leaves a significant gap in housing availability for seniors.